Chapter 2

Over the next few weeks, Athena found herself travelling all over Thedas, desperately trying to do all she could to assist the newly formed Inquisition. She could feel the pressure building, as everywhere she went eyes watched. In the past, she had never had to bother about her public image, as long as she stayed within the circle and did not anger Templars nearby, she was fine. That was a distant memory now. Although she knew Josephine, Leliana and Cullen were working tirelessly back at Haven, the constant journeys made her feel very isolated. It felt as though the Inquisition was her responsibility and she could not fail. No matter what, failure was not an option. She did not think she would have survived the past weeks had it not been for her companions. She could always rely on Cassandra to have her back in battle, Solas to offer advise and council and Varric to help fend away some of her stress when they were resting around a camp fire after a long day.

She occasionally managed to rest for a few days at Haven, although them days were few and far between. During these days, she tried to take it easy, preferring to catch up with the Inquisition members and venture out on to the ice on quiet nights, then crowding around the war council chamber and staring at maps of Ferelden and Orlais. She could not always avoid war council meetings however, and although she despised them, the occasional glimpses they allowed her to steal of the Inquisition's Commander made them almost worthwhile. She was not sure she had ever laid eyes upon a more handsome man. He always appeared so proper and put together, however his slight stubble and occasional lock of golden hair that fell down onto his forehead suggested there was another side to the man, one that only presented itself when he was away from prying eyes. Then there was the scar. A sign of the battles and suffering he had faced. Athena often found herself looking at it, wondering what had occurred for him to receive such a mark. But then quickly her eyes would make their way down the scar and rest upon his lips. Although she would never admit it, there had been more than one occasion where she found herself wondering what it would be like to kiss those lips. To feel them planting gentle kisses along her jawline and down her neck.

"My lady, are you feeling alright?"

The words snapped her out of her thoughts and she was forced to focus back on reality. She quickly looked towards the voice that had broken her trail of thought and found two golden orbs locked on her, concern clearly shown within. Of course, it was Cullen. Not only was he ever so handsome but he was always so kind and considerate. Athena let out a cough, gently shaking her head to regain her full attention to the matter at hand.

"Yes, I'm fine. I'm sorry, it has been a busy few weeks" she responded, unable to suppress the guilty look that formed on her face at being caught daydreaming about the very man that pulled her back to the real world. This wasn't the first time he had caught her doing such a thing during a war council meeting. He kept his gaze on her for a few seconds until he was satisfied that there was nothing more serious bothering her, then allowed his attention to be pulled back into the meeting. After another hour of debating about the best way to approach closing the breach once and for all, the meeting was adjourned and Athena began making her way down towards the lake. As she was walking, she realised someone was trying to catch up to her. She turned to see who it was, slowing her pace to make it easier for them. She could not suppress the smile that laced her features when she saw the Commander heading her way. He raised his hand, offering her a small, awkward wave and she found herself giggling at the typically Cullen gesture. He mentally winced at his action, trying to hide his embarrassment as he came to a stop in front of Athena.

"My lady, I'm sorry to interrupt your day, I was hoping I would be able to have a word with you?" he said as he fell in step with her as she continued her walk out of the camp.

"There is no need for you to apologise, Cullen. In fact, I would appreciate your company". He was clearly taken aback by her response; however, this was quickly replaced by a pleased look. They made their way to the lake's edge in a comfortable silence, both well aware that this was Athena's preferred spot. As they reached the edge of the lake, Cullen stopped and faced Athena, taking a moment to take in her appearance. She looked mainly unharmed since he had last seen her, although it was clear that her adventures around Thedas were beginning to take a toll on her judging by the signs of exhaustion that joined her usual features.

"I just wanted to make sure you're holding up okay. Not that I don't think you can handle yourself! I am sure you are more than capable of looking after yourself, it's just you have seemed distracted in our past meeting and…well I just want to make sure you're okay" he gushed, looking slightly more flustered than he did a second ago. Athena couldn't help the amused expression that took over her face, feeling slightly guilty as he blushed in response.

"I am doing well, Commander. No need to worry yourself about me, I am sure you have more than enough to worry about already. I'll just be happy when we finally close the breach and the world returns to normal".

"You have been working yourself too much, I worry you will burn yourself out one of these days!" he replied, the concerned look from the war council meeting before returning again.

"You worry about me?" Athena quipped, not even attempting to hide the smirk she currently wore.

"I – I mean – well…ugh" he sighed, bringing up his hand to rub the back of his neck and hoping his arm would help cover up his creeping blush, "I just don't want anything to happen to you…for the Inquisition's sake of course". The last part he added quickly, not even sure if he believed it himself.

"Don't worry, I will keep myself alive. At least until the breach is closed" she said, giving him a warm smile before she turned and walked further along the lake's edge. He stood there, staring after her and praying that his face was not too red during their conversation.

"Maker's breath" he whispered to himself as he returned to his post.


Here's the second chapter! Didn't expect to upload so fast but I've been really enjoying writing. Hope you enjoy and as always, feel free to comment/favorite/follow ect, ect :)